The Organizing Committee of the 2nd International Conference on Innovation and Sustainability: Internationalisation and Sustainability in Higher Education (ICIS2026), co-hosted by VNU Vietnam Japan University, Deakin University, and Waseda University, is pleased to invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit papers and participate in this academic event:
Background
The ICIS2026 aims to provide a platform for scholars, practitioners, policy-makers, and institutional leaders from around the globe to engage in meaningful dialogue, share innovative and good practices, and explore collaborative solutions to emerging challenges in the internationalisation of higher education and sustainability. The conference will explore key topics including inclusive internationalisation, mobility of students, staff, knowledge and ideas, digitalisation of international education, geopolitics of international education, global citizenship education, sustainable partnerships, internationalisation at home, transnational education, international research collaboration, and the role of internationalisation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
In light of increasing geopolitical uncertainties, growing disparities in access to global opportunities, and the imperative for more equitable and sustainable approaches, it is essential to reimagine internationalisation beyond traditional mobility models. This conference will create a space for critical reflection and forward-thinking strategies, drawing upon diverse local, regional and global perspectives and interdisciplinary insights.
Objectives
Key objectives of the conference include:
- Advancing research and evidence-based policy on internationalisation in higher education;
- Promoting dialogue on ethical, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to international engagement;
- Showcasing successful models, practices and innovations on internationalisation and sustainability in higher education from diverse institutional and cultural contexts;
- Strengthening international networks and fostering long-term partnerships among higher education institutions.
- Shaping a more inclusive, collaborative, and globally engaged higher education landscape – one that significantly contributes to a sustainable ecosystem bringing about wellbeing for people and the planet.
Organisers
Vietnam Japan University (Vietnam National University, Hanoi)
Deakin University (Australia)
Waseda University (Japan)
Cooperating partners
Protestant University of Berlin Applied Science (EHB) (Germany)
Thai Nguyên University of Agriculture and Forestry (Thai Nguyen University)
Sponsors
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Theme clusters:
The event will be structured around 5 main theme clusters:
- Theme 1: Leadership and policy in internationalisation and sustainability education
- Theme 2: Internationalised curriculum and global learning in higher education.
- Theme 3: Mobility, exchange, and inclusive access
- Theme 4: Global partnerships, research and collaboration
- Theme 5: Innovation, ethics and sustainability in internationalisation
Venue
The conference will be held in Hanoi, from June 2nd – 3rd, 2026.
How to attend the Symposium: submission of abstracts
Expressions of interest to attend the conference should include a 250-word abstract outlining the paper and full contact details of the author(s). Submissions must be made via the conference website: https://icis.vju.vnu.edu.vn/
Important dates:
- Deadline for abstract submission: October 30th, 2025
- Notice on abstract acceptance: November 15th, 2025
- Deadline for full paper submission: January 30th, 2026
- Notice on full paper acceptance: April 15th, 2026
Publishing opportunity
All submitted papers will undergo peer review and be evaluated by a qualified committee. Selected papers will be published in the following options:
- 10 best papers: to be published in the Q1/Q2 International Journal (to be confirmed)
- 20 qualified papers: to be published in a Special issue of a reputed national journal (Vietnam Journal of Education or Vietnam Journal of Educational Sciences)
- 30-40 peer-reviewed papers: to be published in the conference proceedings (with ISBN) by a reputable domestic publisher.
Registration and Fees
To cover organisational costs, the following registration fees will apply:
| Conference registration | Early bird | Regular |
| Regular registration | 130 USD | 150 USD |
| Student registration | 100 USD | 130 USD |
This fee includes coffee breaks, lunches, and a field trip on the official conference days.
- Early bird registration: March 30th, 2026
- Late registration: April 30th, 2026
Authors whose articles are accepted for publication in a reputed national journal may be required to pay a publication fee. The estimated cost is 2 million VND per article.
Contact and further information
Website: https://icis.vju.vnu.edu.vn/
Email: icis@vju.ac.vn
Phone: (+84) 919646713
